This book shows how a new nation - Australia - was created in a very old continent. It brings together science and culture in an exciting and original way in an Australian context, showing that one creates the other. It offers a new kind of Australian environmental history. It has lots of varied and highly engaging stories and case studies - the rise and fall of Wattle Day, the strangeness of platypus and Queensland lungfish, merino wool, the fortunes of museums, Australian deserts. Title will be supported by a full media campaign. It is written by an award winning author. In this book, Libby Robin explores the links between nature and nation. By looking at some of those who observe the natural world most closely - including scientists, field naturalists and farmers - she tells the story of how we as a nation have come to understand our land. Having left the cultural cringe behind, settler Australians are struggling with the 'strange nature' of this continent. Robin suggests new ways of living in an arid and urbanised continent in times of global change, and gives hope that Australia can move beyond the biological cringe.